"We are being hailed from the planet, Captain." Liana said from her combined science, and operations console. With a telepathic computer, the New Generation class starships required a relatively small crew. Her normal complement were only five people on the bridge, including the captain. The bridge itself also had a different layout. Instead of all too familiar LCARS interfaces, the stations simply had smooth black panels containing only a rough contour of a human’s palm and a small viewscreen. Every station could be modified to serve different purposes since the ship’s computer only needed a mental link to a crew member to obey their orders.
"On screen," Anthony nodded. This was the first system they encountered outside their own galaxy. 'Where no man has gone before' was once again true. As Anthony was thinking about the joy of exploration, the main viewer displayed the interior of a very luxurious room. The walls were covered with dark tapestry, full of pictures and sculptures. A lavishly embroidered carpet was laying on the floor. The only piece of furniture in the room, among cushions and golden trunks was a gigantic chair. More of a throne. In it was sitting a... something. It was in fact difficult to describe the creature other than a ball of fur. It was only after a while that Anthony spotted something that reminded him of hands and legs in the huge brown ball filling the red throne. The creature had big brown eyes, a somewhat flat, almost black, shiny knob in the place of a nose and wide mouth – all in the right place for humanoid races. Except that it looked more like a toy. When it spoke, though, there was no mistake it was alive and intelligent. And pleased.
"Welcome, visitors! My name is Anghorra, the First Citizen of Martikaa. Greetings to you!"
"And to you, First Citizen," Anthony replied. "I am Captain Mark Anthony from the Federation starship Explorer. We come from the galaxy over 2 million light years from here. I believe we are the first people of Milky Way to see you."
"Yes, yes, so our Fleet Navigators tell me. You met them at the outskirts of our system?"
The meeting indeed occurred a few days earlier and it was a great surprise. They hadn’t expected anything like this for months to come and yet they got lucky. The first system on their way, still barely inside the galaxy, was inhabited by a sentient species. The alien fleet suddenly appeared on the long range sensors and once they were in contact range, they tried to communicate. Pierre was very efficient in providing translations of their strange language which sounded more like singing than anything else. They hardly had time to celebrate their first contact though, since the aliens urged them to go down to their planet and meet with the Government representatives.
"That is correct, First Citizen. We were able to establish contact and mutual understanding of our languages. They invited us to land on your planet."
"That is so, that is so," repeated the furry creature and smiled widely. At least the smile was visible. Other facial expressions would be lost in the mass of hair.
"I understand you have come a long way to visit us. Why don’t you land your magnificent starship and take some holiday on our humble world. We don’t yet have the ability to travel so far, but we are willing to learn from you."
"Very well, First Citizen," Anthony decided it wasn’t a good moment to reveal their views about sharing technology. After all, the alien ships they have seen so far were only capable of warp 6. And nothing indicated any more advanced technology. All in good time, he thought.
"However we are not in the habit of landing the whole ship," he continued.
"Why don’t you send us coordinates and we will land our shuttle."
"Suit yourselves, then," said Anghorra, apparently disappointed. They heard the words with proper intonation in their minds, thanks to Pierre, while their ears only picked up the melody of the alien's voice. It wasn’t unpleasant.
"You just make certain to use the exact coordinates. You wouldn’t like to destroy one of our beautiful cities, would you?"
"Of course, sir," Anthony smiled, looking at his helm officer, a young Gurlan, Ensign Piete Dang. He nodded, confirming the coordinates.
"We’ve got the exact spot. I promise we will be precise," Anthony added, looking back at the screen. Somehow he had an impression that the First Citizen was a little nervous. Not really surprising, he mused. After all, he can’t be meeting people from different galaxy on a regular basis.
"In that case we are expecting you on the surface after Martikaa circles the sun five times."
Now that was strange. "You mean in five of your days, First Citizen? We can meet within an hour if you wish."
This time the First Citizen Anghorra almost panicked. Even though his eyes were not really visible, Pierre had managed to convey the emotion in the generated voice of the creature. Besides, the First Citizen began shaking visibly.
“No, no, that’s out of the question! Do not land early! Please, we have to make certain preparations," he pleaded. Anthony signaled to mute the channel and turned to Aleyah, who had been on the bridge from the beginning of the conversation.
"What is this all about? He looks terrified," he asked.
"I don’t know, Captain. I don’t see much apart from his anxiety. I don’t know if there is anything more to it. Perhaps they are very serious about some protocols and they just want to greet us properly. They can also be afraid. After all, the Explorer is capable of destroying the whole planet with her weapons, Sir. They may want to take some precautions, that would also be understandable."
"But are we supposed to wait five days? Over six, concerning their days are more than 30 hours long." Anthony didn’t like the idea.
"It’s our first contact here. I would think it might be worth a while," Aleyah smiled.
"Right," Anthony turned back to the view screen. Anghorra seemed very unhappy with his whole shape clearly deflated in his magnificent chair, but he looked up with hope when Mark started speaking.
"All right, First Citizen. Let’s make it five days, then." He intended to terminate the channel, but the creature wanted to say something else.
"Yes?"
"You promise not to scan the planet or listen to our communications during that period?" Anthony sent Aleyah a knowing smile, before answering.
"We won’t do such a thing if you do not wish it, First Citizen."
"Good." This time his relief was obvious. "So you may stay in orbit. Goodbye, Captain."
"I must object, Captain," protested Lieutenant Tanaki, the Explorer’s tactical officer and a tiny woman of Japanese origin. As far as social relationships were concerned, she was usually rather shy. It did not, however, thwart her performance while on duty.
"It isn’t wise to comply, we should know what there is, awaiting us down on the planet, Sir." Anthony looked at her with a twinkle in his eye.
"That’s what we have passive sensors for, Lieutenant. I want you to use them to the full, trying to predict every possible danger. I haven’t suddenly become totally reckless - thank you for your trust. I’ll be in my ready room." Even before he added the last sentence, Tanaki was already focused on her link with the ship and reaching to the unknown planet’s surface with the delicate net of the mechanical senses. She didn’t even look up at her commanding officer.
* * *
Two days later was Joanna’s first shift in sickbay. She reported early in the morning, dressed in a blue bodysuit that was not exactly a uniform but at least was more appropriate than her original jeans. Darek told her to scan the samples of plants from the planet’s moon and sort them out. It was an easy, if a bit tedious, work. She would certainly feel much better if it wasn’t for Lieutenant Vort More, the Scythiaan, working as a nurse with Darek. She indeed reminded Joanna of a huge, gray grasshopper. Only the grasshoppers she remembered from Earth weren’t two meters tall and certainly were less menacing. What was even worse, she moved around so quickly, Joanna could have sworn she teleported from one place to another, since her eyes were often unable to catch any movement. One moment Vort was looking sharply at her, the next she was right behind her, startling Joanna every five minutes or so.
"Give me the 752 sample of the virus, please," said Darek suddenly. Joanna was so focused on her job that she didn’t understand immediately.
"What?" she asked, but before Darek could answer, Vort just flashed in, grabbed the small container and appeared before the Doctor offering him the correct sample. Then she returned to her own work which had something to do with recalibrating the tricorders.
"Thank you," he said, looking at Joanna scornfully. "Next time, please be more concentrated. Nurse Vort has her own tasks, I do not wish to bother her every time I want something that is within your reach."
"Yes, sir," Joanna managed to say, still puzzled at the way Vort moved around.
"You just have to look at the labels," The Scythiaan’s words were translated by Pierre directly to her mind, but her indigenous hissing could still be heard. Joanna was under the impression that her actual tone was disapproving and she decided to say nothing.
The work went silently for a while. After the next three hours, Joanna was still busy with the samples, while Vort had finished with the tricorders and was given two other jobs, which she also already finished.
"You deserve a break, Vort," said Darek. "I am very pleased with you today. Take half an hour and return here after that."
"Thank you, Doc," the Scythiaan hissed and before Joanna looked up, she was gone. Darek turned to her.
"You should have finished your task about 43 minutes and 5 seconds ago, Private. What is taking you so long?"
"I’m sorry Sir, but I already told you I am not familiar with science or medicine. It is difficult for me, I am used to something totally different," she said apologetically.
"Well I suggest you start getting used to this right now, unless you want me to put you on the report."
"Yes, sir," said Joanna again, trying to stay calm. It’s not my fault, she thought. I am only a human, not some teleporting alien!
* * *
"So, you’ve decided against the stasis option and still you are telling me that you’re not feeling well on board the Explorer?" Aleyah asked softly. That evening, as usual, she was sitting in one of the armchairs Joanna replicated in her quarters and looking expectantly at her patient. Joanna came to think that about herself already. She knew she really needed the counseling sessions scheduled for her from the beginning of her adventure. And Aleyah appeared to be a nice woman to talk to.
"It’s not really the Explorer, Counselor," said Joanna thoughtfully, realizing that she was having more problems than she had expected with adjusting to the life on a starship in the 25th century. "You are very nice to me, so is the captain and some other people I’ve met in the mess hall. It’s Dr Darek and Vort. I’d rather work somewhere else."
"Well, let’s see. Are you any good at engineering?"
"You know I’m not."
"Then perhaps science or security?" Aleyah was looking at her expectantly.
"That’s not fair, Counselor!" Joanna felt her voice raising. "I’m sorry," she added as she realized what Aleyah was aiming at. "I know there’s no other option for me…"
"On the contrary, Joanna. There are plenty of options and I wasn’t teasing you, really. What I was trying to show you is that the problem is not in sickbay."
"Then were?" Joanna asked because Aleyah didn’t seem to be finishing her sentence.
"Why don’t you tell me?"
"Oh…" she sighed recognizing the pattern. The counseling sessions haven’t changed through centuries. They weren’t easier than back home. "Then the problem is with me, right?"
"Right," Aleyah smiled. "You are an intelligent person. You can tell me what the problem is. You don’t need me to spell it out for you. You only need me to listen, you know?"
"OK. Let’s get it over with then." She straightened herself in her armchair and started with a deep breath.
"I am having problems with myself because I don’t feel fit to do what is expected of me. Moving me to any other department wouldn’t change a thing, since there is virtually nothing I am good at here. How am I doing, Counselor?"
"Well, not exactly right. And I asked you to call me Aleyah. Now, let’s correct your previous statement so it sounds a bit less pathetic, OK? First of all, it’s true that you are having problems mainly with yourself. And it is also true that the change of duties wouldn’t solve anything. Can you start from here now? And with less sarcasm, if you please. You’re only hurting yourself, dear."
"So what is this problem with me? If I’m not having problems with my incompetence than what? Relationships?"
"Go on. It’s getting warmer."
"All right. I admit that I am scared of Vort but I never thought I would have anything against Vulcans. At least from the TV series."
Aleyah looked at her with amusement. This young woman was so confused it was really fascinating to watch her struggle with her tangled emotions. She came from some 20th century with bits of knowledge about certain events form more recent history. She seemed unable to distinguish between her own experience and the views imposed on her by that show she had been so fond of.
"Well, dear, to begin with, I don’t know how the Vulcans were portrayed in this TV of yours. They are obviously sometimes hard to live with but they also have some unique qualities. They are very fair, for example."
"Yeah, I noticed. Every time I do something wrong, he never fails to criticize me. He has never actually said anything nice to me."
"And to Vort?" This was unexpected.
"Are you suggesting that I am being jealous?"
"Well, are you?"
Joanna had to think for a while. It was true that she wished to be more like Vort, at least in terms of skills. On the other hand…
"No. I simply don’t like her," she finally admitted.
"Why, did she say anything unpleasant to you?"
"No, it’s just… well she is always there… and she moves so quickly…"
"You know what, this doesn’t strike me as reason enough to dislike someone. Have you ever talked to her? I mean outside sickbay, off duty."
"No, never I…"
"Then that’s going to be your task before our next session. Ask her out."
"Vort?!" Joanna was really shocked with the very idea.
"Yes, why not? Why don’t you two go eat together, have some chat. Try to get to know her. It may just turn out that she’s not as menacing as you figured." Aleyah stood up and walked to the door. She said the last sentence just as the door snapped open. "We’ll talk about this experience."
"But…" Joanna started to say something but Aleyah was gone.
"Great," she said to herself. "A date with a monster."
"That sounds to me like The Beauty and the Beast, only who’s gonna be the Beauty here?"
"Pierre!"
"I wasn’t listening to your thoughts, Joanna. You said that aloud." The computer’s voice was almost trembling with laughter.
"I’d like to remind you that we’re scheduled for our lesson in fifteen minutes."
"Great, just enough time to get some coffee." Joanna didn’t manage to finish the sentence as her favorite beverage appeared next to her on the bedside table. She began to like Pierre already. The 'lessons' as he called them were yet another part of her 'adjustment process' as suggested by the captain. Apart from regular sessions with the counselor, she was supposed to find out about the life in the 25th century. Pierre was absolutely irreplaceable here with his memory banks containing every bit of knowledge gathered by all the known races of their galaxy. She loved their lessons. She only wished she could have a date with him instead of that enormous insect.
* * *
After the promised five days, the delegation of the USS Explorer was invited to an official reception. Anthony decided to go down to the surface with Aleyah only, despite the protests from his first officer. After all it was not a regular away team but first contact mission.
The planet was as typical as any M class globe in their own galaxy. It was a pleasant summer afternoon with no cloud in the sky. Nobody welcomed the two officers when they materialized on the surface. They looked around what seemed to be a rich villa district. Their eyes were the only thing they could rely on since they had been specifically requested not to bring any scanning devices along. Anthony complied once again although this time reluctantly. However, the passive scans of the planet hadn’t revealed anything suspicious. He would feel much more comfortable though, having been able to investigate more thoroughly.
There were numerous bungalow-like houses scattered around in the midst of plants. All the buildings were dusty pink and the surroundings looked very peaceful. There were no signs of anybody around but the red carpet guided them towards, and then inside, a representative building made of brick in the same color. Apparently the Martikaans loved it.
They then walked into a great hall hidden behind a lavish garden. The plants and flowers there were meticulously ordered and yet gave some impression of wilderness. They must have some very skilled and dedicated gardeners here, Anthony thought as they walked. They finally met the First Citizen who smiled and motioned them rather unceremoniously to mingle with the crowd. There must have been hundreds of people gathered in a huge room with no furniture except various tables with foods and drinks. They started moving around the room as was seemingly a custom on this planet. They were meeting new Martikaans on their way. All of them looked exactly like the First Citizen. Big balls of fur with barely recognizable short limbs and, as they just found out, twitchy, long tails. Most of them expressed disbelief and some sort of embarrassment when they found out that the Starfleet officers were not similarly equipped. Every now and then someone asked the question about other Federation races and the officers found themselves for the seventh or so time explaining that only a few races actually had tails and that made them no different from the others. Finally Anthony asked Aleyah as they found some quiet corner and stood to exchange their impressions.
"What’s wrong with these people? Why did they expect us to have tails? Why does virtually everyone ask us about them? It seems as if they are obsessed with it."
"Yeah," replied Aleyah who this time was a Romulan girl, to show their new acquaintances the sample of various races constituting the Federation.
"Perhaps they have never met any… tailless races before."
Pierre? Anthony contacted his ship’s computer mentally. He could have tapped the commbadge but preferred this way of communication since he didn’t want to raise more curiosity from his hosts.
What do we know about those three other races entailed in the Martikaan Union they told us about?
Searching… Pierre answered by those same means.
They do not have tails, if that’s what you were interested in, Captain.
That’s right, thanks.
Aleyah thought for a moment. She could hear the exchange in her mind as well, since Anthony didn’t exclude her from the link.
Then perhaps they have some myths or legends about us… she finally said.
They do not have such myths, Counselor, Pierre replied. At least to my knowledge and they have sent me quite an exquisite amount of their historical and sociological materials.
Anthony wanted to say something but he was interrupted by yet another Martikaan coming up to them to make his acquaintance.
"My name is Whoolerr. It is nice to know you."
"Pleased to meet you, citizen. I am Captain Mark Anthony and this is Counselor Aleyah Purr." Mark introduced them for the twentieth time this evening.
"Just what races are you if I may be allowed to ask?" asked the Martikaan, who looked exactly like his twenty or so predecessors. The officers didn’t even have means to establish the gender of their new friends since even their names didn’t give a clue.
"I am a human, citizen, and my friend is a changeling, which means she can change her form. Presently she looks like a Romulan."
"How very interesting, indeed," said Whoolerr, reaching out with his tail for some refreshments on the table behind them. He took a tall glass with some liquid and, with amazing skill, maneuvered it behind the pair of officers and to his mouth. He didn’t spill a drop in the whole process, although he moved his tail with some speed.
"None of you having tails and still you’re flying such powerful ships?" he remarked. This time Mark decided to press the matter.
"Do you expect only people with tails to be capable of advanced technology?" he asked. The Martikaan seemed uncomfortable. The only means of telling that was the tone of his voice, perfectly generated by Pierre.
"Yes, I mean, no…" he stammered. Mark continued:
"Are the other races in the Martikaan Union we were told about, those without tails, are they less advanced than you are?"
"Well," strangely enough Whoolerr didn’t seem to know what to say. He almost panicked. Finally he said as if defending his opinion against some strong critique. "We treat them all equally!"
One of the other Martikaans standing by the next table turned around when he heard the raised tone of the conversation. He looked quickly at the gathered party and came over to Whoolerr saying something that the officers didn’t understand. Apparently Pierre was unable to translate it.
"I’m sorry, citizens. My friend is needed elsewhere, he told them, motioning for Whoolerr to depart. Whoolerr murmured something in the way of apology and quickly left. The newcomer introduced himself:
"I am Cotthon. You should really try these pastries. They’re our specialty," he stretched his impressive tail to show them to the table with some brownish, innocuously looking cakes. Anthony had already had enough. He disregarded the kind offer and asked bluntly.
"Citizen, why all this fuss about the tails? Why does everybody seem to expect us to have them?" Cotthon looked just as everybody else in the room. With his bushy fur it was really difficult to see any reaction except the strongest. Therefore the officers couldn’t tell whether he was offended or not. Definitely he appeared to be more disciplined than Whoolerr. He said offhandedly.
"I don’t know. Perhaps it’s because the tails are so handy. Haven’t you noticed? Actually I can’t imagine how I could manage without mine."
I‘m not buying it. There has to be something else, Anthony thought to Aleyah and Pierre, but said nothing aloud. Pierre enabled them to communicate that way even though they were not telepaths. He simply picked up the signal and returned it with no noticeable delay. They tasted the cakes which really were quite good and the conversation flew easily about neutral things. For the rest of the evening nobody else approached them with the topic of tails.
* * *
"What is it supposed to do to me?"
Joanna was standing in front of Dr Darek in sickbay. The Vulcan was about to administer her something contained in a hypospray. Joanna had never liked injections, although she knew from her experience with Star Trek that these were pretty painless. Nevertheless, a little caution never hurts.
The Vulcan explained patiently: "This is a part of your life-prolonging treatment."
"My what?!"
"Humans in the 25th century do not age the way they did earlier. How old do you think Captain Anthony is?"
Joanna thought for a moment. The captain seemed to be in his prime. He was a tall and slender man with apparent physical strength. And he was pretty handsome with his deep dark eyes and black hair, she had to admit. He usually was clean shaved and he had no single gray hair.
"I’d say he’s not yet forty," she finally decided.
"Well, lady, he is now 64 years old and he can expect to live some hundred and ten more."
"Uhm… tell me again?" Darek began to show some signs of impatience, at least for a Vulcan.
"I’m trying to tell you that the average life expectancy of human race nowadays is some 170 – 180 years of age. Now if you will sit still, I can treat you with your medication. Otherwise you’ll grow old before we finish our mission, while the rest of us won’t change a bit." He finally managed to press the hypospray against her neck and it really didn’t hurt. She only felt some cold sensation, but it was quickly gone. She was still amazed by what he had told her, though.
Almost two hundred years to live, she mused. All that time to live the Trek adventure. What a wonderful prospect! She was so excited about this idea that she didn’t even remember to ask what precisely the medicine was and, since it was supposed to be a 'part' of her treatment, what other parts were involved. She was too preoccupied with thinking about what to do with the rest of her life.
After two hours she was still too excited to focus on her task which was again about sorting out the samples. They seemed to have an unending source of them, as the new ones kept on coming and had to be labeled and put in the right containers. There were some plants, animal and human cells and all kinds of viruses and bacteria. Enough to start a biological war immediately, Joanna thought. Darek has already reprimanded her at least three times for not being focused enough, however Vort remained silent that day. Suddenly Joanna remembered her last conversation with Aleyah. Oh, gosh! she thought to herself. How am I supposed to ask that… that THING out? Suddenly, she saw Vort right in front of her. She backed off, startled, but Vort looked at her coldly with her yellow, widely placed eyes and said calmly:
"I do not appreciate being called a "thing’, if you don’t mind. However, if it’s the counselor's wish, I’ll comply. Meet me in the mess hall at 13 hundred hours."
For the remainder of her shift Joanna felt awful. She had forgotten that the Scythiaans were powerful telepaths, she hadn’t simply thought about it. Though she should have, at least she thought so now, become used to telepaths. After all she was in almost constant contact with Pierre. On the other hand, their relationship (she still felt strange about having a 'relationship' with a computer) has evolved. He no longer seemed to be so intrusive, as if he gradually came to understand when Joanna actually didn’t wish to be overheard. Now it seemed as if Pierre assumed the role of a silent counselor and an intimate friend, who knows precisely when not to say a word. This time he also kept quiet so Joanna was left to her own thoughts. And they weren’t pleasant.
* * *
At 13 hundred hours, Joanna was sitting at her usual table in the mess hall. The one in the corner, the furthest away from the entrance. She would normally eat alone, or, occasionally with Aleyah. She knew she wasn’t an extremely sociable person and all the rest of the crew seemed to understand it, so they usually didn’t bother her. This time however, it was different. Joanna had already had her lunch in front of her but surprisingly, she didn’t feel hungry. She kept on glancing nervously at the door, as they opened frequently to various people who decided to have their lunch with friends. She saw that humans were the core of the Explorer crew, although she also noticed some Vulcans, Bajorans, Klingons and even Romulans and a Vorta. There is only the Jem'Hadar missing in this lot, she mused.
No, they’re not, she heard Pierre in her head again. We have two Jem’Hadar on board. However, they do not require food so they’re rare guests here. You can meet them in Engineering, if you wish, though.
No, not really, thank you, Pierre, she thought in response. One alien at a time is quite enough. You see, I’m still not over the Dominion war, really. I’m trying to get used to this all, but sometimes it’s difficult.
I know.
She was too focused on her mental conversation with Pierre to notice Vort come to the mess hall. Now, she suddenly saw her at her table in a flash with a tray full of… something in her hands. Or at least in what passed as hands for her race.
"Mind if I join you?" asked Vort and immediately Pierre materialized an additional stool at the table, since Scythiaan’s built didn’t allow them to use common chairs comfortably. She said down, without waiting for Joanna’s invitation, and set the tray in front of her. Now Joanna could see there was a bowl full of pink worms. Apparently alive, as they were still moving.
"Oh… I didn’t know you liked gaah," she finally managed to say, trying not to look at Vort’s bowl again.
"It’s not gaah," she said simply. "They’re called worms."
Joanna was not sure whether this was meant as a joke so she remained silent trying to concentrate on her own plate full of the replicated version of spaghetti. It tasted surprisingly good, after what she had heard about the replicated food. On the other hand, the last replicators she heard of were more than a century older. Surely, the technology had developed. For a while they were eating silently, not looking at each other. Finally Vorta remarked casually.
"You don’t like me."
Joanna was embarrassed. "I, I’m sorry. It’s just…" she started, but Vort interrupted her.
"No need to apologize for your feelings. They’re too obvious. And you’re not the only one who’s nervous in my presence. In fact only Darek seems comfortable with me. That’s why I like my job here."
"The others don’t like you?" asked Joanna for the first time looking at Vort differently. Suddenly she realized that the alien might feel lonely among all the other - more or less humanoid - races.
"There is something about me that doesn’t exactly allow for warm feelings. Not that I did much to change it." Vort said still busy with her meal. Somehow it didn’t bother Joanna so much now, even though she could see the worms actually still moving in Vort’s mouth. She simply focused on the yellow eyes.
"I can imagine why."
"So perhaps you can elaborate? We’re supposed to get to know each other. It’s as good a subject of conversation as any. Why do humanoids not like me?
Joanna though for a moment.
"I can’t tell you why they don’t like you. I can only tell you about my feelings." She finally said.
"Go on, then."
"Well, first of all, you are really alien. I think I can accept all the differences in humanoid races but you’re the first one I met that is so different."
"It’s hardly my fault."
"I know, I’m not blaming you. I was just supposed to tell you what I think."
"Very well, so what else?"
"You move so fast I can’t see you. It makes me feel uncomfortable as I can never be sure where you are."
"Again there is hardly anything I can do about it. It's simply the way I am, not what I do."
"I know," said Joanna. "But there are also things you do or at least that your race did. I was thinking about it."
"About what?"
"You once threatened to purge our Galaxy."
"That’s true, but back then we didn’t really understand you. We were at war with the Borg who invaded our dimension and we thought you were the same. You allied with them against us."
"You intended to wipe out all life in the galaxy!"
"Once your Captain Janvoy… was that the name?"
"Janeway," Joanna corrected mechanically.
"Whatever. Once she showed us you were different, we dropped the matter."
"You defeated the Borg." Joanna was not giving up easily. It was as if she had to keep on accusing Vort because she rapidly needed to find something to justify her feelings.
"Was it such a bad thing to do?"
"The Borg were not a one unique race. There must have been millions of different beings assimilated and forced to act against their own free will. And you killed them all."
"We didn’t kill them. We freed them."
"What?" Joanna didn’t understand.
"We simply disengaged them from the collective and returned them to their respective worlds."
"Where they were likely killed or left to die, being unable to return to their previous existence?" Joanna didn’t feel convinced.
"On the contrary. There were certain, specifically designed, medical centers established on all the major worlds of your quadrant to help them to return to their normal lives. The implants were removed and the individuals provided with extensive medical and counseling care. We managed to keep casualties to a reasonable limit. Only those engaged in immediate fights had been killed. Once we destroyed all the Borg matrixes, the rest was free to go."
Joanna didn’t answer. For quite a long while she just sat at the table, thinking. She forgot her cold spaghetti. Somehow she wasn’t so sure that she didn’t like Vort anymore.
* * *
It was almost two o’clock. This late at night, the mess hall on board the Explorer was usually deserted. Apart from the skeleton crew of two, manning the bridge, all the others were most likely in their quarters, fast asleep. Therefore Anthony was genuinely surprised to find someone there as he entered. Around one of the tables sat his science officer, Commander Liana Rex with a steaming cup in her hand. She was accompanied by her husband, chief engineer, Lieutenant Cmdr Timothy Rex and the ship’s counselor in her "duty" appearance of an attractive human woman. They were apparently in the middle of a conversation when they all noticed Anthony. Aleyah waved a hand at him to join them. Anthony went to the replicator first to have a cup of coffee and then came up to the table.
"I didn’t expect to see anybody here at this hour," he said in a way of greeting.
"We were still discussing the strange behavior of the Martikaans, Sir." Liana offered, as she moved her chair to make room for the captain. He said down and asked.
"The tail’s tales, you mean?"
"Not only, Sir. Also the delayed invitation for a shore leave. They told us we can visit them in two weeks' time and enjoy the views and fresh air of their planet. Why do they need so much preparation every time before they let us set foot on their soil?"
"That’s been on my mind, too," Anthony admitted. "It’s almost as if they were afraid of being caught red handed. I have a feeling that they’re up to something."
"But they seemed so happy to meet us. They even expressed a will to join the Federation," Timothy said thoughtfully. "And we haven’t discovered anything suspicious so far. Maybe they are simply afraid they’re not living up to our standards?"
"That would mean they have something to hide from us, Tim," his wife replied.
"Liana, could they possibly detect our active sensor sweep of their planet?" Anthony asked, sipping at his coffee.
"No, Sir, if we masked it with enough subspace traffic signals, they could most definitely not. However, they have specifically asked us not to do that."
"I am aware of that but I also feel they’re hiding something and we must know what it is," Anthony sighed heavily.
"The whole situation is getting a bit dubious, don’t you think? They want us to stay and wait another two weeks while they are making their mysterious 'preparations’. It looks like they are really trying to hide something and need time to do just that. I have to know what they’re doing.
"I know, Captain, but that would be against our rules." Aleyah shook her head. Anthony looked at her for a long moment before he answered.
"What choice do we have? Sit here and wait patiently for whatever they fancy to present us with? And we can’t just leave. After all we are here to explore, to find out about other civilizations. What if it is some kind of trick? They’re keeping us here, being sweet all the time while preparing some kind of assault? I’m afraid we’ll have to act. Have the senior officers report to the bridge in three hours. We will attempt to find out what’s going on." This last sentence was spoken in his Captain’s tone of voice. The others knew instantly that the decision was made and the discussion was over.
"Aye, Sir," came the only possible answer.
* * *
The bridge of the Explorer was relatively small. With a sentient computer the ship required only a minimal amount of crew. There were usually only five people on the bridge: the captain’s chair between two others: the first officer’s one on the right and a rarely occupied 'guest’s chair' on the left. Apart from these there were only three other stations to be manned: one that doubled as helm and navigation, multifunctional science station and the tactical. As per the captain’s orders, all the senior staff was on duty even though it was only 5 o’clock in the morning - ship’s time. However, being a senior officer meant being on call anytime. All the officers were present right now. The young (per his race’s standards) Gurlan, Ensign Piete Dang at the helm, the first shift tactical officer, Lieutenant Tanaki, Liana Rex at the science console, Jerry Kowalsky in his first officer’s chair and Aleyah occupying the one on the captain’s left. Anthony entered the bridge and immediately ordered.
"Liana, engage full sensor sweep of the planet. Make sure it’s jammed, so they cannot detect it easily. Let’s see what they have out there."
There was a moment’s silence, as the sensors picked up and processed the overwhelming amount of data from the whole planet below them. Anthony struggled with a sudden urge to tap his foot. Once he reached the decision to act, he really hated waiting. He almost decided to engage in some meditation to ease the tension, but just then Liana announced:
"No planetary weapons concentration, the major cities layout in accordance to what they had told us, sir. However, there is something peculiar about the energy readouts."
"Please, specify," ordered Anthony impatiently.
"There is no evidence of any modern technology running, apart from a few major cities," came the prompt reply as soon as Liana sorted out the incoming stream of data. She didn’t have to tap any buttons, as all the ship’s functions were controlled by a simple mind link. She just sat at her console, with her hand laying in the correct spot and all she had to do was to think of what she needed. Pierre was doing most of the work analyzing her commands and adjusting the display before her.
"It appears they don’t have any replicators, transporters or anything there. The readouts are consistent with the Earth’s twentieth century technology."
"That’s weird!" exclaimed Piete at the helm. This was not exactly according to protocol, however the crew was used to the Gurlan’s inability to contain his emotions. They appreciated his efforts and were prepared to neglect his occasional bursts when the situation overwhelmed him. Other than these not so rare incidents, he was a brilliant and reliable helmsman. This time also nobody paid attention to his misbehavior.
"Put it on screen," said the captain and the view on the main screen changed slightly. Instead of the computer generated image of the planet below as natural as it might be seen through the window from their current orbit, they saw the same image with additional colorful markings. The dark blue spots, concentrating in a few points roughly around the equator of the planet represented the energy readouts of the known modern devices, such as replicators, subspace communicators and transporters. The even rarer red spots represented weapons and warp technology and were situated in just three places. As the image of the planet rotated, they saw the same pattern on the other hemisphere.
"Lieutenant, scan for life forms now," ordered Anthony, obviously still preoccupied with the strange reactions at the reception. The view changed again. This time, the colorful spots were different, however the pattern remained roughly similar. There were big concentrations of the green color, showing the Martikaans as they knew them, mainly around the equator, and mostly yellow color reigning everywhere else on the surface with an occasional green spot here and there. Significantly, nowhere did the yellow spots, representing the tailless races on the surface, and blue or red of technology and weapons meet.
"They appear to have two different civilizations here, Captain," said the first officer, stating the obvious.
"And they don’t want us to know that," Aleyah added sadly.
"The ones without tails," added Liana. "Must be considered inferior. That’s why there was so much fuss about it."
"There is one more thing we should do," Anthony decided. "Jerry, you’ll lead the away team to the surface. We need to take a more careful look at this. Take Aleyah, she can disguise as a Martikaan and walk freely among them. The rest of the team will go down cloaked, make sure the equipment works. And take also our Private Joanna," he added as an afterthought. That stopped Jerry, who was already up and heading towards the turbolift.
"Sir, why her?"
"She has more thorough knowledge of the 20th century culture than the rest of us, she may be a valuable asset to the team."
"I must protest, Captain," Kowalsky insisted. "She is not a Starfleet officer, therefore she has no proper training. We shouldn’t be regarding her as a member of the crew!"
"I agree, however now it is no time for that. After this mission is complete, it will become your responsibility to see to her training. She’s already asked me if there was such a possibility. Right now, she will be gaining experience under your guidance, Commander. The personal cloaking is not a complicated device to operate, you can show it to her. And her observations may prove helpful."
The first officer wasn’t convinced. He had his personal opinion on involving civilians, not to mention the ones from alternative universes, into Starfleet operations. He will have to talk to the captain about this. They should have put the woman in stasis the moment she appeared on board. However, for now, he decided to comply.
"Yes, sirs" he acknowledged and went about preparing the away team.
* * *
"I am supposed to report where?!" Joanna thought she had heard it wrong. However the slightly irritated reply came immediately from her new commbadge. And it was identical as the first message.
"You are to report to transporter room one. You’re on the away team."
It’s impossible! Joanna didn’t say that aloud but for Pierre it was as good as her voice.
Captain’s orders, Joanna, he replied in her thoughts. Although only mental, his 'voice' sounded very comforting. He thought you could help us here, since we’re expecting to find a roughly 20th century culture down there. You have much more experience in this field than any of the crew presently onboard. You actually lived it just a few days ago. For the rest of the people here it’s just a history lesson.
But I thought there was a warp-capable culture and we have made the first contact? Joanna was already on her way to the nearest turbolift. Fortunately, she didn’t have to remember the ship’s layout to go anywhere, since there was always Pierre to ask.
It appears it’s only half of the truth. We need to find out the other half. Joanna wanted to ask some more questions but at this very moment the turbolift door opened and she got out on some unknown corridor.
The third door on your left, Pierre was helpful as always. Joanna walked in to a big, oval room. On her left there was a transporter platform, which, as she noticed, didn’t change much from what she remembered. On the right, in front of the long control panel there was a group of people. She only recognized the first officer. Among the group there was also one very furry individual with a long tail. She had never encountered such a race before, however from the ships reports which she kept on watching regularly, she knew that it was a Martikaan. One of the people from the planet below. Before she managed to say anything, she heard Kowalsky:
"You are late, Private." His voice was calm yet rather cold. He was evidently expecting some explanation, so she offered one.
"I’m sorry, sir. I was surprised to be assigned to the away team."
"So was I. Nevertheless we have our orders. You’re my personal responsibility here so I expect you to behave properly."
"Yes, sir," Joanna was sure that the first officer didn’t like her. "What do I do?"
"Have the counselor explain the use of a personal cloak device to you. I don’t have time for this." He handed her something that looked like an old leather belt with a very thick metal buckle. She wanted to ask some questions about it, since she wasn’t familiar with such technology. She thought the Jem’Hadar in the Dominion war used to have something like this but she knew better than to ask Kowalsky. She looked around to find Aleyah, but she couldn’t see her. Instead, the Martikaan approached her.
"You have to put it on first, Joanna," the Martikaan said. Joanna looked puzzled.
"How do you know me?" the alien smiled under her fur.
"It’s me, Aleyah." Joanna took a careful look but couldn’t see any resemblance.
"Is it some surgery or just a holographic image, or something?" she asked finally. Aleyah sighed loudly. She meant to tell Joanna who she was in some more appropriate situation but right now there was no time. So she simply explained.
"I am a shape shifter. I can look what I choose to. While on duty I usually take on a human form by which you know me but right now we have a mission to complete. Can we talk about this some other time?"
Joanna was too shocked to answer, so she just nodded her head and let Aleyah explain which button on the buckle turned the device on and off and which enabled her to see the rest of the crew when she had special glasses on. She put both the belt and glasses on, just in time to hear Kowalsky report the away team ready to go. As the captain’s approval came through his commbadge, he ordered the team onto the platform. Joanna felt a furry hand in hers for a brief moment. She heard Aleyah whisper: "Stay close to the rest and don’t say a word while on the planet. Then all of them stood on the platform.
Joanna was waiting for some strange sensation as it was her first transport but she didn’t feel anything. She didn’t even see any blue sparks she had gotten used to while watching the show back home. Only instantly, within a blink of an eye, she wasn’t in the transporter room anymore. Suddenly, she was alone in the street of some unknown city.
Before she began to panic though, she heard a whisper again. Turn the vision on! When she pushed the small button on her buckle she again saw the rest of the away team. All five of them were standing near something that looked like a common pavement. Only Aleyah was already some distance away, as she was moving among the crowd of Martikaans. Nobody seemed to notice her although she was slightly different. All the people on the pavement were also furry but their fur was of slightly different shade. Aleyah was colored deep dark brown, while the people now around her were lighter, more beige. And they didn’t have tails.
Joanna looked around more carefully. She and the other three were standing on some empty platform. The crowded pavement was slightly below them and further on her right she saw a wide street. It must have been a street because there were some kind of vehicles there, moving in different directions. They were colorful and very noisy. Everything around her was colorful and noisy. She turned around to Kowalsky and wanted to say something but just in time she remembered Aleyah’s advice to stay silent. So she only watched the first officer raise his hand-mounted tricorder, or at least she thought it was a tricorder, although she had never seen anything like this before. It seemed logical though, since under cloak, they probably couldn’t be using any portable devices because they would be visible, floating in the air for everyone to notice. And Kowalsky was waving his hand around in a characteristic gesture. The other two just stood there and looked around.
Suddenly she heard Kowalsky speaking in her head. Is startled her, as she didn’t know there were telepaths on the ship other than Pierre and Vort. She didn’t know yet, that Pierre directed the mental communication acting as a relay station for the crew’s thoughts. Nevertheless, she understood the order was directed to Aleyah who, by now, had disappeared in the crowd.
Try to find out if they know about our visit. How can we access their databanks here?
Newspapers. If they’re really 20th century, they should have newspapers with all the news printed there, Joanna thought and subconsciously directed this thought to Kowalsky.
Right. Where do we get newspapers? came the next question.
At the news agent’s, she replied mechanically, already looking around. She noticed a stall just a few meters away. Right there. She mentally pointed at the stall and saw everybody in the team looking in that direction. You would need some money, though, she suddenly remembered.
Can't we just look at the papers without paying for them? Kowalsky asked again even without looking at her.
Joanna wondered why he was so rude to her, but concentrated on the task at hand.You can always stand there and read the headlines. All the most important news should be on the first page.
OK, she sensed the reply. Go on and check if they say something about the aliens visiting the planet.
Me? Joanna wasn’t sure if the order was directed at her.
You’re on the team, aren’t you? Again, Kowalsky didn’t even look at her but seemed to be focused on the surrounding people.
OK, she thought and moved ahead. It wasn’t easy because when she stepped down from the platform, which appeared to be the bottom of some huge monument, there were a lot of people coming at her from different directions. She knew they couldn’t see her but she had to duck and move sideways not to bump into somebody. She didn’t know that the cloaking device was phasing her out of the reality around her and nobody could actually touch her as well as they couldn’t see her. Nevertheless, she moved slowly forward until she reached the stall. There were all sorts of newspapers but as she looked at them, she realized, she couldn’t read the language. Now what? she thought not really expecting the answer. She heard one, though.
Turn on the recording device on your visor! We will analyze the data later.
How do I do that?
Press the button over your right eye! She heard this sentence coming from Kowalsky loud and clear. She heard also, or perhaps rather sensed something like: I knew it was a mistake to bring her here! This one was not as clear, though, since it wasn’t perhaps even a conscious thought. She reached with her hand and found a small button on her glasses over her right eye and pressed it. She tried to remain steady for while, looking at the incomprehensible print on the papers in front of her. It consisted mainly of small dots in different patterns. Then she saw Aleyah just in front of her. The man behind the counter noticed her too, since she wasn’t cloaked.
"Moe da corrut heerte?" She heard the stranger sing. She didn’t bother to access Pierre for the translation, since she was able to comprehend the overall meaning of the exchange as Aleyah replied: "Porre qunto vipirimio teere." The man gestured for her to come closer and Aleyah took one of the papers and unfolded it on the counter.
Look at this, she heard her think and she moved closer to record what has been printed inside the paper. She also saw some photographs but none of them represented the ship from another galaxy. Based on the limited knowledge she had from the previous reports and the situation here, Joanna began to realize what was likely going on here. She didn’t like it at all.
After recording some of the newspapers the team moved to one of the tall, circular buildings which turned out to be simply blocks of flats. Joanna was surprised to see one of the away team members go through the closed door inside. She wasn’t ordered, however, to cross one herself, to her obvious relief. She only heard the person inside describe something roughly resembling a TV set of her own reality. She then advised them to turn it on and the whole team waited while the news were recorded. Then they were ordered to go back to the ship.
* * *
When Joanna reappeared in the transporter room with the rest of the team, she only returned the belt to Kowalsky, who again didn’t even dignify her with one look and she returned to her quarters. This was really too much for one day and she didn’t feel like talking or, for that matter, thinking to anyone. She only wanted to take a warm bath, as it always helped her relax. Yet before she was able to reach the bathroom, she heard the door chime. She didn’t know who was outside but she didn’t know how to politely tell that person to simply go away, either. Instead, she sighed and said:
"Come in." The door opened to reveal Aleyah in her usual form of a young human woman.
"May I come in?" she asked respectfully even before she crossed the threshold.
"I already said come in," answered Joanna, turning back to the sitting area of her quarters. Aleyah entered quietly and made herself comfortable in one of Joanna’s armchairs. The room wasn’t very big and she didn’t use to have many guests, therefore usually there were only two of them separated by a small table. Did the need arise, Joanna could have more replicated instantly. As for now, she sat down on the other chair. She didn’t even have to think about it, because Pierre knew exactly what their habits were. Instantly there were two cups on the table between them. One with Orion green tea – that was for Aleyah, and the other one with black coffee for Joanna. She took her cup, looking at Aleyah, waiting for her to reveal the aim of her visit.
"You were probably wondering why I hadn’t told you before," started the counselor sipping at her beverage. Joanna remained silent, just gazing at her expectantly, so she continued.
"I realize your situation here is complicated. You’re neither a complete outsider, nor a part of this world. Yet it was your own choice to try and fit in here. You could have decided to stay in stasis."
"And you think I should have?" asked Joanna looking calmly at the person she had already come to think of as her friend. Now it wasn’t just so obvious anymore.
"I didn’t say that. What I mean is that it’s difficult from my point of view. You see," she continued, "I didn’t tell you who I was because I wasn’t sure how you would treat me. Although you have no personal reason to hate the Founders, since you did not take part in the war, you seem to have a personal attitude towards the events that have been our history for the past hundred years. I intended to tell you later but…"
"That’s all right, Aleyah," she finally said. "I just thought you could have trusted me. After all it was you who forced me to get closer to Vort and to overcome my fears. I thought…"
"You see, I wasn’t even born in the Omarion Nebula. I come from a distant planet in the Gamma quadrant and I was very young during the war. I wasn’t aware of what was happening until it was over. And the first Jem’Hadar I met was on this ship." It sounded as if Aleyah was trying to justify her being what she was. Joanna felt that their roles have reversed. Now it was her turn to comfort the other woman. Yes, after all she still considered Aleyah her friend. She had already managed to reconsider her feelings towards Vort over one lunch. There was no reason why she couldn’t accept Aleyah for what she really was. After all, she thought, the Federation was all about the tolerance towards all the different races. If they decided to embrace their previous enemies, who was she to feel otherwise? After all, she knew it had happened before with the Klingons. It wasn’t really that difficult to accept all the other races. In fact, she mused later, it was a great thing. And very much in the philosophy of Star Trek she liked so much. All she had to do was accept it and move on. And that she intended to do. After all, she had already decided what to do with the rest of her life. There was no turning back now.
* * *
"Ensign, take us out of orbit," Anthony said as he entered the bridge after the meeting with Jerry and analyzing all the data the away team had brought.
"But sir…?"
"That’s an order, Piete." Said the captain. He was aware of the Gurlan’s emotional problems but right now he didn’t have the patience to deal with them.
"Aye, sir," Piete replied, changing course.
"Take us further ahead, any course." Anthony waited a while and when nothing happened, since the pilot didn’t even have to move to plot a new course, he said: "Engage warp drive. Inform me if anything happens, I’ll be in my ready room."
"Aye, sir," repeated the ensign.
* * *
After Aleyah left, Joanna remained sitting in her armchair, thinking about her first away mission. She had asked the captain if it was possible for her to get some training as a Starfleet officer and he told her he would think of it. Yet she didn’t expect this would come so soon. Pierre told her just a moment ago that she was going to receive the full Academy course for science officers in the form of holodeck simulations. She wondered if this would make things easier for her. Suddenly, she saw the ship going to warp and then, when the stars outside the window disappeared completely, she knew they were going to transwarp, whatever that meant. She still couldn’t grasp the idea of such fast travel.
What is going on? she asked Pierre in her thoughts.
We’re leaving the system, he answered immediately, although she knew he must have been busy operating the whole ship.
Why? Weren’t we supposed to have a shore leave here and establish some relationship with the Martikaans?
When she heard the whole story, she suddenly felt that it was wrong. They couldn’t just go away and leave the planet. What about the people there? Half of the population were rich and powerful, while others had no idea of what was going on. She learned that the Martikaans they contacted were just one dominating race. And that they were manipulating the other inhabitants of the planet to work to achieve their own goals. They had some quite advanced technology, but they only used it to their own advantage instead of sharing it equally. The rest of the people had no idea about replicators, transporters and interstellar or even inter galactic travels. They were simply working hard to support a small elite. They were deprived of their freedom and knowledge as well as the very fruits of their own work. There had to be something they could do about it.
Joanna knew the situation from her own recent history. She was born in Poland during the communist time. She knew how easy it was for the people with power to handle the whole society. To virtually enslave them, by simply denying them freedom of information. She decided to talk to the captain right away. Surely, they had to do something about it.
* * *
"You must remember about the Prime Directive," Anthony told when she spoke up her mind in front of him. She virtually demanded that the crew of the Explorer make themselves known to the whole population and reveal what the race with the tails had done to the rest of the population.
"They are warp-capable, Captain. I thought it only applied to more primitive worlds.
"And you have to remember that only half of this world is warp-capable."
"They are hindering the development of the rest! We can’t allow it!" Joanna was almost shouting but Anthony decided to ignore it. He knew how difficult the situation was for her. He answered with all his Vulcan patience:
"They are like growing children. They have to grow up on their own, make their own mistakes and learn in the process."
"And who gave us the right to perceive ourselves as adults?"
"Nobody. We are also children, only from another sandbox. And that’s why we shouldn’t interfere in the process which, as children, we don’t fully understand."
"That just isn’t fair. We have to tell them so that they can fight for their own freedom."
"I know you’re hurt," Anthony sighed heavily. "I understand why you’d like to act. Perhaps what might have helped the people from your country, might also help the people here. We are not certain though. That’s why we can’t interfere. We may do more harm than good despite our best intentions."
Joanna drooped her head. She knew Anthony was right, yet everything inside her screamed to do something to help the people she had seen. It would be so easy to bring a revolution on to free their minds. And the revolution was something Anthony wanted to avoid at all costs.
